Question about metering

13 years 4 months ago #8239 by Rockin Joe
I'm reading about metering and curious what most of you will use?

1. center-weighted
2. matrix
3. spot

Nikon's manual isn't much help for what I'm looking for. Do most of you use center-weighted, matrix or spot? Really matrix and spot are specialty settings right?


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13 years 4 months ago #8251 by Yasko
I wouldn't say Matrix and spot are specialty. They're standard on all dslr's these days.

I've used all three, just depends on the situation. Most situations Centerweight or average works fine, and in difficult or harsh lighting I'll spot meter. Canon calls their matrix metering "evaluative", it usually gives me similar results to centerweight, but can hiccup occasionally and be fooled, as automated modes can. I usually don't use it.


The following user(s) said Thank You: McBeth Photography
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13 years 4 months ago #8252 by McBeth Photography
Your eye is a better light meter than any camera. It can be very useful to learn a little about the light reflecting off your subject in order to know how to meter your shot. Is it broad daylight backlighting your subject?....Use spot meter on faces for fill flash etc.

Also, not that you should always use it, it is helpful to learn the "Sunny 16 rule". I would explain that but I found a site about a year ago that does a stellar job, so here's the link to Fred Parker's site.

www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm

It is what it is.
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13 years 4 months ago #8274 by Nod
I use center weighted the most but spot if I'm doing something like trying to isolate a flower or subject. Also when going out long, I find it better to spot meter so the lens doesn't keep searching (if in Auto).


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